Kevin-Prince Boateng today apologised to Michael Ballack for the challenge, which ruled the Germany captain out of the World Cup.
The Chelsea midfielder suffered ankle ligament damage during Saturday's FA Cup Final after he was caught by Boateng in a tackle which was labelled "brutal" by Germany coach Joachim Low.
Ghana midfielder Boateng could face group rivals Germany in the World Cup this summer and has tried to ease any tensions ahead of that match on 23 June by making a public apology through Sport Bild magazine.
"All I can do is apologise," said the Portsmouth player, who is the half‑brother of Germany international Jerome Boateng.
"I was just too late and I hit him straight on. It looked stupid. I apologised to him twice on the field and now I am doing it for a third time. I am sorry. It was not intentional."
